The Maine Township High School District 207 Board of Education honored three students in the area of community service naming them “207’s Best” at a recent meeting. Renata Rodriguez from Maine West was honored for her character, dedication to helping others and leadership.
The following information was written about Renata Rodriguez as part of the nomination by Maine West principal Daniel Hill:
RENATA RODRIGUEZ, MAINE WEST
It is my privilege to recommend Renata Rodriguez, a senior at Maine West High School, as our 207’s Best recipient in the area of Community Service.
Renata’s service to Maine West and the surrounding community is impressive not simply because of the number of activities in which she participates, but because of the spirit with which she serves.
At Maine West, Renata is involved in West Side, serves as one of four senior commissioners for Link Crew, and participates in National Spanish Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Ceramics Club, Giving for Good, Student Ambassadors, and Students Organized Against Racism. Through these experiences, she has increasingly found her voice as a leader and, more importantly, discovered the impact she can have on others.
Renata’s service extends well beyond our school. Through an internship with the Center of Concern in Des Plaines, she supports older adults in our community. She has helped organize community service projects assisting residents with work around their homes and makes calls to individuals to ensure they are receiving needed support. Renata shared that some of those conversations have developed into meaningful moments in which people simply needed someone willing to listen.
Perhaps the best illustration of Renata’s character, however, comes through the smaller moments. At a recent football game, Renata noticed a fellow student who uses a wheelchair sitting away from the student section. Without being asked, she sought permission to bring him into the group so that he could fully participate alongside his classmates. It was a simple act, but one that speaks volumes about how Renata sees others.
That same commitment is evident in her willingness to volunteer whenever Maine West needs students to serve. Most recently, Renata was one of only two student volunteers who helped lead a large alumni tour, remaining at school for several hours to help welcome and guide our returning Warriors.
When asked what service has taught her, Renata spoke about the importance of remaining open-minded because we never truly know what another person may be experiencing. She hopes to carry that perspective into her future studies in psychology and ultimately into a career centered on understanding and helping others.
Renata represents the very best of what we hope for in our Warriors: leadership that is not focused on recognition, but on noticing others, making connections, and helping people feel that they belong.
On behalf of Maine West High School, I am proud to recognize Renata Rodriguez as one of 207’s Best for Community Service.